Ultimate UK Wedding Photographer Guide: First Wedding Tips

Photographing your first wedding can be an exciting and daunting experience. Here are some tips to help ensure that the photos come out beautifully.

1. Make sure to arrive early to the venue to allow yourself plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the space. Explore the area to get a sense of the best lighting, angles, and backdrops.

2. Have a plan in place. Before the wedding, talk to the couple and find out what they’d like you to focus on. Make sure to get a list of family members and important guests who should be in the photos.

3. Make sure to have plenty of extra batteries, memory cards, and lenses to capture the special moments throughout the day.

4. Take plenty of candid shots and don’t be afraid to get creative. Pay attention to the small details, such as the bride and groom’s expressions and reactions, as these can make for some of the most memorable images.

5. Be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of the guests. Try to stay out of the way and be discreet when taking photos.

6. Always double check the photos before and after you take them to make sure that everything is in focus and the settings are right for the conditions.

7. Try to capture the candid moments. Weddings are full of sweet, raw emotion, so try to capture the moments that take place when the couple isn’t aware that they’re being photographed. These moments can often be the most beautiful and special.

8. Get creative with angles. Try out different angles to capture the wedding in a unique way. Shoot from above, from the side, or from a distance. You can also try to capture the action in reflection or silhouette.

9. Ask the couple to practice. Ask the couple to practice a few poses beforehand so you can get a feel for the types of shots they like and ensure that you have the chance to take some more posed shots as well.

10. Capture details. Don’t just focus on the couple. Make sure to capture the details of the wedding like decorations, flowers, rings, tables, food and other details.

11. Have a backup plan. If you’re shooting outdoors, make sure you have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather. Have some indoor areas you can move to if needed.

12. Don’t forget formal photos. While it’s important to capture the candid moments, don’t forget shots with guests and family. Familiarize with a guest list to know who is who.